Objective: The relationships between awareness, knowledge and attitudes (AKA) and coping mechanisms among people with epilepsy (PWE) have not been well-explored particularly in Asia. This study aimed to: identify preferred coping strategies, correlate between AKA and coping mechanisms and compare coping strategies of PWE with different AKA levels. Methods: A cross-sectional sample of epilepsy out-patients was recruited from the Neurology Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu. The participants completed the Malay AKA Epilepsy and the Malay Brief COPE instruments. The data was analysed using non-parametric statistics. Results: Sixty out of 72 patients (response rate = 83.3%) consented participation (median age = 27.5 years; male = 53.3%; unmarried = 63.3%; Malay = 90.0%; SPM education = 54.2%; unemployed = 35.0%; rural residents = 70.0%). Religion was the most preferred coping strategy (93.3%), followed by Emotional Support (86.7%) and Instrumental Support (81.7%). Awareness was negatively correlated with Instrumental Support (rs = -0.268; p<0.05) while Knowledge was positively linked to Humour (rs = +0.267; p<0.05). Positive associations between Attitudes versus Active Coping and Positive Reframing were also detected (rs = +0.284 to +0.331; p<0.05). Patients with good AKA levels coped significantly better through Self Distraction, Positive Reframing and Humour (p<0.01). Conclusion: AKA levels seemed to influence the type of coping strategies adopted by PWE in dealing with their illness suggesting that, efforts in improving AKA level should be combined with appropriate coping strategies to provide better health outcomes in epilepsy management.

Objective: This study was aimed to determine the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms , to examine their association with health-related quality of life (HRQoL) profiles and to determine the predictors on overall HRQoL. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted in Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia. The Malay Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and McGill Quality of Life Questionnaire (MMQoL) were administered to a sample of 150 cancer patients (mean age = 50.4 years). Chi-square test, correlation and multiple regression were utilised for data analysis. Results: The prevalence for mild anxiety and depressive symptoms was 30.7% and 23.3% respectively. The HADS-A correlated strongest with Total MMQoL Score (r = - 0.578) and Psychological Well-Being (r = -0.526). Only HADS-A (beta = - 0.486), and HADS-D (beta = -0.173) were significant in predicting overall health-related quality of life. Conclusion: Findings in our study indicated that the prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms in Terengganu cancer patients are moderate. If anxiety and depression are identified and treated, health-related quality of life among oncology patients appropriately could significantly be improved.

Introduction: Peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) are a disabling injury as it often results in motor and sensory deficit with cognitive impairment. Flaxseed oil provides a good source of omega-3 fatty acid and it is believed to be able to protect the damaged nerve cell for successful nerve recovery. This study aimed to investigate a potential neuro-regeneration properties of flaxseed oil in treating the PNI. Methods: A total of 65 rats were separated into 4 groups: Group 1: Normal group (n=5), Group 2: Negative group (n=20), Group 3: Experimental group (n=20) and Group 4: Positive control (n=20), all the group were further divided into 4 groups (post-operative 7, 14, 21, 28 days, n=5 for each days). The functional restoration was assessed by walking track analysis (Sciatic Functional Index analysis-SFI) and toe spreading reflex (grading score). Electron microscope studies were performed on sciatic nerve to evaluate the regenerative process through morphologic and morphometric changes. Results: Oral administration of flaxseed oil (experimental group) at 1000 mg/kg body weight/day showed better recovery compared to negative control value. However, there was no significant difference in SFI and toe spreading reflex between positive (mecobalamin) and experimental group (flaxseed oil). Morphological and morphometrical findings indicated increases in the myelin thickness and myelin sheath layer after administration of flaxseed oil. Conclusion: The flaxseed oil supplementation could enhance the neurorestorative capacities of injured sciatic nerve.

A study was done to describe awareness, knowledge and attitude level on Urinary Tract Infection among university students of Burapha University, Thailand. Cross-sectional study was conducted with the use of self-modified questionnaire consisting of socio-demographic questions and AKA domains. Total of 91 respondents (male students n=13 and female n=76) aged 19 years old participated. The total AKA level was found to be in high category (75.86 ± 13.81) and between the domains, Attitude (70.00 ± 13.28) is categorized as positive, followed by both Knowledge (57.24 ± 15.94) and Awareness (39.37 ± 13.01) which is categorized as moderate. Correlation between Awareness-Attitude was found significant at p=0.003. After the adjustment of covariates, female gender was found to have the strongest relationship compared to other covariates and all independent factors combined accounted 14.8% of variability in Total AKA. The sociodemographic factors’ of the students influenced the level of AKA and female gender have found to have be best predictor for Total AKA on UTI. Thus, this research has provided ample findings to further formulate an educational tool for the public.

Introduction: A cross-sectional study was conducted to provide preliminary insight of Awareness, Knowledge and Attitude (AKA) assessment on urinary tract infection (UTI) among adolescents which includes the general level of AKA and correlation between the domains as well as the relationship between Total AKA and the sociodemographic factors. Methods: A modified and adapted questionnaire was developed, consisting of socio-demographic questions and AKA domains employing descriptive statistics, linear regression and multiple regression analysis via SPSS Version 23.0. Results: In general, AKA level was reported as moderate (0.5 ± 0.11). Among the three domains, Knowledge (0.70 ± 0.12) risen with the most astounding mean, took after Awareness (0.36 ± 0.22) and Attitude (0.65 ± 0.11). A positive but weak correlation was found between the domains; Awareness and Knowledge is significant at p = 0.034, r = 0.157; R2 = 0.02 and similarly, a weak correlation was also found between Knowledge and Attitude which is significant at p = 0.000, r = 0.411; R2 = 0.17. After covariates adjustment, female gender was found to have the strongest relationship with Total AKA. Conclusion: The general level of Total AKA on UTI is moderate. The AKA domains in this study was found to be positively correlated and female was found to be the best predictor for a better Total AKA on UTI. Thus, these findings provide important information to formulate an effective education intervention to improve the AKA on UTI among adolescents.